Silk is for Seduction eBook deal for $1.99

Going into the New Year we’ve got a very nice deal.

From 27 December through 7 February, Silk is for Seduction, Kindle edition, will be $1.99. Because eBook retailers tend to match the Kindle prices, it’s reasonable to assume that Nook, Apple Books, and others will offer a similar deal at some point.

Meanwhile, if you haven’t read my Dressmakers series, this can be your introduction. It’s the first of what became a four-book trilogy (I know).

Inspiration for Marcelline’s “dust” dress.

Three slightly French modistes come to London, determined to become the Beau Monde’s premier dressmakers. There’s scandal, intrigue, and cutthroat competition. There are some persistent gentlemen determined to be irresistible. And there are the wild, exuberant fashions of the 1830s—including hairstyles—that make the 1980s look prim.

Gifts

Christmas Greeting ca 1865

Smithsonian Institution

My holiday gifts came early, in the form of the responses to my recent blog post about the third Difficult Dukes book.

I must have the best readers ever, anywhere. You made me smile and you made me cry, but most of all you made me grateful. For the last century or so (give or take a little), I’ve been fortunate to write the kind of stories I want to write, and get them published. My books are all over the world, translated into I don’t know how many languages. So really, when a couple of stories prove recalcitrant, during times that have been brutally difficult—and for all too many people, vastly more painful and difficult than my little problems—it’s frustrating, but hardly catastrophic. Hello, perspective? Yes, I’ve got some, really. These are not the easiest times, and we’re all doing the best we can.

I wish you the best of everything during this festive, special season: good health, and good times with loved ones, celebrations or quiet time—as you prefer—reasons to smile and laugh, and yes, some peace of mind.

More anon. Meanwhile, I’ve got cookies to bake.

The Blackwoods & I are not getting along

—Dorothy Parker.

With thanks to LettersOfNote, where I first encountered this perfect account of my own situation.

Let’s just get the painful part over with.

The third Difficult Dukes book is not going to be released in 2022.

I’m deeply sorry to disappoint the many readers who’ve asked about the Blackwoods’ story. It’s turned into an even greater struggle than the last book, and I honestly can’t say why. It’s not for want of trying. Hundreds of false starts and abrupt, screeching stops.

And so I’ve told Alice and Blackwood to go off and think about their many crimes against me, and to come back when they are ready to cooperate. I’m giving them two weeks. After things settle down post-holiday season, it’s back to work—and they’d better be ready.

This book will get written. At some point, the mental obstacles, whatever they are, will give way. Meanwhile, I can only ask, once again, for your patience. I promise to continue to work hard, and aim for 2023 release, as early as possible.